A Flexible, Calm Learning Space for Bilingual Readers!
Help me give my students a learning environment with varied seating choices, soothing lighting, and appropriate reading materials in English and Spanish.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
My students are active dual-language 4th graders who study half the day in English and half in Spanish. Fewer than one third of my students' families speak English at home, and many speak a language other than Spanish at home. My students are motivated readers, mathematicians, and scientists who will be multilingual leaders in our multicultural democracy!
Regardless of home language, our program's goal is that all students become bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish, and that school is a place where they are safe.
In order to achieve this ambitious goal, I need resources to support my students. 83% of students at our school qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and as a result most families are not able to financially support classroom needs.
My Project
Imagine entering a classroom where instead of harsh, fluorescent lighting, there are floor lamps scattered throughout, casting a gentle, warm glow around the space. Imagine a classroom where instead of rows of desks, there are clusters of work areas with flexible seating options, including individual laptop desks that can be spread around the room. Finally, imagine this same classroom in the morning, when students have choice in their entry task between writing in their own journal (in dialogue with their teacher), reading their own copy of a kid-friendly news magazine, or using a Spanish-language, computer-based individualized learning program.
I envision a trauma-informed classroom where my multilingual learners can consistently expect tranquility, comfort, and choice.
To this end, I am proposing a project to enhance the interior design of my classroom by adding soft lighting and flexible seat options. I am also requesting reading materials in English (TIME for Kids magazine subscription) and Spanish (a novel) that my students will be able to take with them after they leave my classroom. For many of them, it will be their first-ever magazine subscription, and first-ever experience reading an entire novel in Spanish. I want my students to feel confidence and ownership over their learning by being able to take home these momentos.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
TIME For Kids - Grade 3-4 with Teacher's Guide and financial bonus issues
• TIME for Kids
$4.50
52
$234.00
ECR4Kids The Surf - Portable Lap Desk/Laptop Stand/Writing Table, Green (10-Pack)
• Amazon Business
$229.99
1
$229.99
ONIVA - a Picnic Time Brand Oniva Portable Reclining Seat, Navy
• Amazon Business
$35.99
4
$143.96
Me llamo María Isabel (My Name Is Maria Isabel)
• AKJ Education
$4.37
26
$113.62
ZEEFO Dual 2.1A USB Charging Port Bedside Table Lamp with Press Switch, Black Base Modern Minimalist Design Desk Lamp 2 Set, Very Convenient Nightstand Lamp to Decor Your Bedroom, Guest Room (2Pack)
• Amazon Business
$54.99
1
$54.99
Ikea 301.841.73 Holmo 46-Inch Floor Lamp
• Amazon Business
$22.78
1
$22.78
Fun Express 3 Minute Plastic Colored Sand Timer - 12 Pack
• Amazon Business
$9.52
1
$9.52
Materials cost
$808.86
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$70.78
3rd party payment processing fee
$12.13
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$921.77
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$162.67
Total project goal
$1,084.44
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$1,084.44
14 Donors
-$770.91
Donations toward project cost
-$709.27
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$61.64
match offer
-$250.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$212.50
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Amelia and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
